“From the very early days of King Sturgav’s existence comes this 1978 session which took place at the coastal town of Annotto Bay. With selector Jah Screw calling the musical shots and Ranking Joe providing the deejay patter, owner U.Roy knew he had a winning team which he could rely on. Whilst Ranking Joe’s style owed a lot to “The Teacher” Daddy U. Roy, he took the style and added a greater lyrical depth to it. This is perhaps the earliest example of Joe’s talents as he fearlessly rides the rub a dub versions with ease. “Kings Of Kings”, “Fisherman Skank” and “Milkman Coming” are just some of the topics covered here on this long lost Sturgav gem.”

“Even though Sturgav is U. Roy’s creation he’s always been happy for other deejays to take the limelight, only stepping to the microphone for a short time each dancehall night. Over the course of this session, at Reuben’s Lawn in York Town, he does just that, displaying his legendary skills on “Jump For Joy”, “Jamdown” and “Black Stick Rock”. Ranking Joe can talk all night and amongst his many popular pieces here are “A Yu Mr Finnegan”, “Shaolin Temple” and his then new single “Stop Yu Coming & Come” over the ground breaking Taxi riddim which backed Gregory Isaacs’ “Soon Forward.”

“This classic session held at the Tivoli Centre is now extended to over two hours and features an absolutely top drawer line-up of performers around Daddy Roy’s control tower. Even in the presence of the Sturgav boss General Echo doesn’t hold back with the slackness on “Ranny & Miss Lou” and the lewd “Gal A Bicycle”. Other great additions to the session comes in the form of long time hit-maker Horace Andy and the current hot singer Barry Brown. Horace’s contributions include wicked live renditions of “Money”, “Don’t Try To Use Me” and his then current monster “Natty Dread A Weh She Want”. Jah Screw throws down an early Sturgav special, Barry Brown’s ”Stereograph The General”, while Barry himself, in his own inimitable style, steps up with “I’m Not A King”, “Conscious Dread” and “It A Go Dread” after which Errol Scorcher joins him for “Dread On the Ball”. As usual it’s Ranking Joe who commands the greater share of the deejaying but from time to time Massive Dread, with “Ranking Style” and U. Roy, with “Black Princess” add to the mix of this top late seventies rub a dub dance.”

“Around this time Sturgav must have had a Thursday night residency at May Pen’s Club Hawaii. Selector Jah Screw runs wicked vocals from the likes of Sugar Minott, Dennis Brown, Johnny Clarke and Linval Thompson and the dance bubbles along in fine style. Although U. Roy features only briefly we do get to hear Ranking Prendegast who was probably the sound’s apprentice at this time. He steps out of the shadows with some promising chat on “Throw Down Your Arm” and “Wrong Fe Send Come Call”. But with numerous hit singles under his belt the star of the show has to be Ranking Joe and lyrics like “Dash Weh Violence”, “Detention Camp” and “Sister Dawn” confirm his number one status on Sturgav’s sound.”

“Dub it in a uptown style” is the chant and here, for over three hours, King Sturgav do just that. Jah Screw’s selection contains music from Black Uhuru, Al Campbell, Gregory Isaacs and Barry Brown, who’s “Stereograph A The General” is sole “special” on show. Ranking Prendegast sounds competent enough in his allotted time on “Ragnampiza”, “Control Your Temper” and ”Turn Your Roll” but it’s Ranking Joe for the lion’s share of the night, really rocking the crowd on “Hold Them Joe”, “Love Selassie I” and “Pressure In A Babylon.”

“King Sturgav move into Kingston 6 for this session in Old Hope Road with Brigadier Jerry and Lui Lepki joining Ranking Joe and apprentice Ranking Prendegast for this lively tape. Jah Screw is running musical sounds of the day from Horace Andy, Frankie Jones and favourites Black Uhuru. Ranking Joe voices a forthcoming single “Peace & Love In The Ghetto” and likewise Briggy showcases his Isis release “Home Guard Take Over”. Lui Lepki’s “Fight Against Barnabas” is his take on the hot Barnabas Collins’ topic and Prendegast rides the “Real Rock” ably for “Nah Leave The Area”.

“The Rosemount Centre seems to be one of another of Sturgav’s regular haunts and this two part session is a real treat. The first part focuses on Ranking Joe warming things up nicely with some tried and tested lyrics such as “Black Princess”, “Nuh Chuck It” and “Papa Gav A De General”. Daddy U. Roy interjects now and then and Ray I passes through later on chatting “Gimme Little Love” and Natty Hang On”. With selection including Barry Brown, Errol Mais, Barrington Levy how can Sturgav fail to rock the venue.”

“Recorded in the same month but this time featuring Sturgav alongside Big John’s mighty Stereophonic set. Only Sturgav are heard unfortunately, but Ranking Joe carries the swing over, deejaying mainly over some of Clement Dodd’s mighty riddims. “Quarter Pound Of Ishens” freshens up the “Pick Up The Pieces” rhythm track and his “Take It Easy” graces “Frozen Soul”. There’s just time to promote his new release “Youthman Promotion” that he recently recorded for Sugar Minott before the tape sadly comes to an end.”

“Recorded late on in 1979, Ranking Joe is still in blistering form on the mighty King Sturgav sound. With Jah Screw’s selection mainly concentrating on Studio 1, Joe effortlessly glides over them bringing the versions alive. Some of the lyrics are vintage, like “Green Bay Killing” and “Mash Up The Resident” while newer styles include “No Check For Calypso” and “Bits Of Paper.”

“Nearby the motorbikes roar as people arrive for the big event as King Sturgav touch down in Negril. This “taped in the dance” cassette has Charlie Chaplin, Josey Wales and newcomer Colour Ranking riding a range of tunes from the likes of Delroy Wilson, Natural Vibes and the hot singjay Eek A Mouse. As usual Josey and Charlie get the lion share of the proceedings but “Prento” Colour Ranking can do a fair Leroy Smart impression as heard on “Them Never Love Poor Marcus” and “Rub A Dub Style.

“This is reportedly the very first time King Sturgav appeared in a clash. Pitting U. Roy against I. Roy, Sturgav take on Turbotronic in this showdown in the coastal town of Yallahs. This extra long session highlights Inspector Willie’s strength as a selector and he has a sprinkling of “specials” at his disposal and they include boom tunes like Don Carlos’ ”Sturgav No. 1 Sound” and Al Campbell’s “Sturgav Style”. Charlie and Josey have no doubt who’s winning this clash and lyrics like “Sturgav A Weh She Want” and “Been Winning” emphasize their point. Veteran singer Phillip Fraser and new riser Delton Screechy join the boss U. Roy in this not to be missed heavyweight tussle.”

**Many thanks once again to Daddy Ruffhouse for the extra 45 minutes**

“Josey Wales exclaims “How Long Must The Wicked Reign” over Phillip Fraser’s opening killer track “Blood Of The Saint” and this sets the tone of this essential Sturgav offering. Willie draws more from Fraser as well as top tunes from Cornell Campbell, Mighty Diamonds and the upcoming Anthony Johnson. The Colonel and The Principal work the versions with style as does Daddy U. Roy who’s active on “Too Greedy” and ”Gal I Love You”.

“King Sturgav bring their cultural vibes to the rural town of Toll Gate in Clarendon. In their opening shots here Josey and Charlie really rip into Yellowman, berating him for his slackness in the dancehall. Michael Prophet’s “Gunman” turns their attention to the gun shooting bad boys as Josey demands “Gunman A Weh You Get You Guns From”. Charlie deejays stylishly on his pieces ”My God Is Real”, “It Rough” and “Bush Herb” and then surprises by singing Barry Brown style on “It A Go Dread”.

Another nice taped in the dance session from the White Squall archives. Daddy Roy's set is in St Mary at the Royal Nova Lawn and as always the dance is real sweet. This one opens with the classic Studio 1 tune 'Please be true' from Alexander Henry and with the Colonel and Principal riding the version you now it's going to be a killer. Willie then goes down into the Dennis Brown selection, very nice to hear him play 'say what your saying'. He also spins, 'to the foundation' & 'revolution'. Then it's onto Don Carlos, always a favourite at Sturgav sessions. Josey, Charlie & Daddy Gav were running things at this time and this tape is a good example of why, the combination of Inspector Willie's great selection and the deejay's mic abilities was very hard to test!

“Presenting more of the crucial ’82 vibes of the one and only King Sturgav. Once again Josey and Charlie are running things in the small town of Sunning Hill although its mainly the Colonel, in his inimitable style, who mashes up Willie’s selections. Never straying too far from the original vocal topic Josey adds his own twist to them, often with a witty refrain. The hit tunes are about to happen for him and “Bad Boy A Chuck It”, “Give Me Collie” and “Can’t Live Lonely” are fine examples of the man’s expert lyrical skills.”

“Sturgav touch down in America for a series of eagerly awaited shows and these dances will have been “roadblock” events. With both Charlie and Josey making the journey the US audiences got that authentic Sturgav experience first hand. They roar their approval especially when they both tackle the popular M16/Scandal riddim. Over it Josey’s “Hoola Hoop” is a boom and when they both combine on “All Rise to Meet Jah” the place erupts. Bam salute to King Sturgav!”

“Sturgav are back in Jamaica and are limbering up for Christmas with an all star line up at the Stable Club on Red Hills Road. Cultural dancehall fans must have relished the opportunity to see and hear Briggy, Chaplin and Josey along with U. Brown and U. Roy. Highlights are U.Brown’s “Jump The Fence”, Briggy’s “I’ll Never Let Go” and Josey’s massive “Kingston Hot”. For an added bonus, first there’s an early appearance from Junior Reid and then towards the end Don Carlos, a new singer Sturgav have championed, steps up and versions some of his breakthrough hits like “Dice Cup” and “I’m Not Crazy”. It’s such a shame that this Sturgav session ends here as the dance was running well hot.”

Daddy Roy’s Sturgav set are on tour in the US and tonight its New Yorks turn to get the yard vibes. It’s the ‘Colonel’ Josey Wales controlling the mic for this section of the dance and this is when he was on top of his game so you know it’s gonna be ruff!Inspector Willie drops some Dennis Brown selection before going into the good old ‘Johnny Dollar’ rhythm for the Colonel to give us his big hit ‘leggo me hand’ and the new york crowd just cant get enough bawling forward time and time again. Inspector then gives Josey the classic ‘shank I shek’ and as he tells the story of the ‘shooting of Ronald Reagan’ the crowd are again forced to go wild.

Studio 1 rhythms are the order of the day for the next part of the session and Willie drops some classics for the cowboy to ride. We finish off with some nice Sugar Minott tunes making this another great Sturgav tape…

AA short but very nice piece from Daddy Roy's Sturgav Hi Fi when they toured the USA in 83.

Inspector Willie plays a great selection from Sugar Minott, including the great 'come back to me' over the 'full up' rhythm, Josey rides part 2 then Willie draws the 'Kouchie' version and Josey draws a massive forward from the NY massive with his 'Have to burn' lyrics. Later over the great old 'Taxi' rhythm we get to hear the Colonel's wicked 'Bam bam'. Then it's into Dennis Browns 'love gotta hold on me' and Willie drops variations of the rhythm with Josey riding them all with style and there is much excitement when he drops his famous 'Cowboy style'

This one features Daddy U Roy's King Sturgav set playing inna fine style in the Barbican area of Kingston 6, Jamaica.... Inspector Willie draws a great selection, as he always did. Including some killer Sturgav 'specials'... The mic duties fall mostly to the 'Colonel' Josie Wales but the 'teacher' Daddy Roy show's that he can still mash up the dance anytime he touches the mic....

This is another fine session with U Roy's Sturgav Hi Fi. It's mainly 2 the hard way with Briggy and the 'Colonel' Josie Wales in a fine style at this Christmas night dance. King Yellowman makes a brief appearance begging the people to"stop the rumour on me" in answer to the rumours that where spreading in JA about him having cancer.
Inspector Willie draws some Cocoa Tea and Sugar Minott selection before going into some classic Studio 1 rhythms.
The last 6 minutes or so of this one is from a Sturgav session in Sav-La-Mar & it features U Roy, Junior Cat and Edi Fitzroy...

“Daddy U.Roy year to year sound has been a mainstay of the dancehalls of Jamaica and this captures them very early on in 1986 (although it could well be 1985). “Principal” Charlie Chaplin and Brigadier Jerry, fresh from “foreign”, control things on this one, but there are short pieces from the “Teacher” U.Roy, with much appreciation from the crowd, and Colourman aka Colour Ranking. Strictly cultural vibes here.

At the start of this tape King Everald sings ‘Do not touch the Sturgav crew’ and this sets the pace for another killer session from Daddy Roy’s set. King Everald also give his wicked piece of the Tempa, ‘After all’ and ‘Me nah turn back’ on the King Tubby rhythm.

Veteran chanter Principal ‘Jah’ Grundy is on hand to give some classic style & fashion for the Westmoreland Posse over some Studio One version. Then he brings in his Prentice, Fashion Irie who rides the version well inna combination with King Everald, Little U and the Principal himself. Fashion shows versatility by giving a very nice vocal too.

The Sturmar Posse are also in the dance and Barry G brings in The Apache and Mr Fabulous who turn in fine performances as always.

“What a line up! The superstar deejays have assembled in Sav La Mar on the mighty King Sturgav sound. Some great performances here. Early B’s “Circle Jamaica” and Nicodemus’s “Coke Seller” are winners with the crowd. But perhaps the biggest roar of the night is for Super Cat who causes worries when Inspector Willie puts the needle on the “Boops” riddim. Singers Edi Fitzroy and Hugh Griffiths add to the entertainment and even U. Roy is coaxed to the mic to version his big Ujama single “Jah Jah Call You”. Killer session.”

This is the Daddy Gav side to this clash and U Roy's set is on fire. As well as the resident DJ the Principle we get to hear some of the then new blood of MC's. Inspector Willie draws a great selection as usual making this a very entertaining & lively Sturgav session.

King Sturgav are in Portland for this session. Even though the year is 1999 they are still playing in the old dancehall style and with Ilawi the 12 Tribes selector at the controls you know its going to be Worries!
Sugar ‘Booga’ Minott is on fire as always as he gives us classic after classic including Vanity, Roll River Jordan, Hang on Natty, Lovers race and more.

There is a very sad moment when Sugar asks for a minute’s silence in memory of Dennis Brown.
We also get a showcase from the great Admiral Tibet as he sings some of his tunes over Ilawi’s selection.

The new school is represented by vocalist Quench Aid.
Its not all singers as the deejays don’t fail to impress. Even though Daddy Roy is suffering from the flu he still manages to nice it up over an Everton Blender selection. Principal Chaplin is also on good form for this session.

U Roy's Sturgav set are in session at the great SNWMF and they give the Boonville massive a real dancehall treat. Steve drops plenty of 'steelplate' business including specials from Johnny Osbourne, Shabba Ranks & Leroy Gibbons. He also drops some dancehall classics in the mix before Daddy U Roy steps up to the mic to drop his 'Jah Jah call you' lyrics to the delight of the crowd. Daddy Roy then calls Briggy to the tower and he chats the 'General' 'Jamaica Jamaica' & plenty more of his hits. Also in attendance is veteran female Rasta deejay Sister Carol who after telling the crowd she was inspired by Daddy Roy & Briggy mashes up the dance with her reality lyrics. Steve drops plenty of Studio 1 & classic dancehall rhythms for the artists to ride making this a real gem of a recording. Great stuff indeed........